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Psychosocial Well-Being and Stress Related to Environmental Disaster and Climate Change

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 9633

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Adriano Zamperini

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Guest Editor

Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
Interests: environmental violence; chronical contamination exposure; health and wellbeing

Dr. Marialuisa Menegatto

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Guest Editor

Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
Interests: environmental psychology; psychosocial stress; climate change adaptation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental disasters and climate change pose one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century, with significant implications for the psychosocial well-being of affected populations. This special issue explores the impact of psychosocial stress resulting from extreme events such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and heatwaves, as well as the long-term consequences of environmental pollution and instability.

We welcome original contributions, empirical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that examine psychological and social responses to these crises, coping strategies, the role of individual and community resilience, and the responses of healthcare institutions. Interdisciplinary approaches integrating psychological, social, environmental, and epidemiological perspectives are particularly encouraged.

We invite scholars and researchers to contribute their studies to enhance our understanding of these phenomena and support the development of mitigation and intervention strategies.

Prof. Adriano Zamperini
Dr. Marialuisa Menegatto
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

environmental disaster
climate change
psychosocial stress
health and well-being
community resilience
individual resilience
hazard
traumatic event
crisis
disaster recovery

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 411 KB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Socioeconomic and Psychological Vulnerabilities in Post-Disaster Recovery: Insights from the Displaced New Orleans Residents Survey

by Tanjila Rashid Rhythy, Yian Xu and Da Hu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(3), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23030368 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 514

Abstract

Communities susceptible to disasters frequently endure severe socio-economic and psychological repercussions. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly understand the various vulnerabilities encountered by different groups. Residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, faced significant hardships after Hurricane Katrina hit on 29 August 2005. A multitude of individuals lost their residences, while others, regrettably, lost family members. The Displaced New Orleans Residents Survey (DNORS) offered significant insights into individuals and households living in New Orleans immediately prior to Hurricane Katrina’s impact in August 2005. The survey interview was conducted from mid-2009 until mid-2010. This study utilizes DNORS public data files to evaluate socio-demographic characteristics pertinent to the analysis, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, household income, education level, employment status in 2005, and insurance coverage, alongside psychological measures such as mental health symptoms, posttraumatic stress, depression, and perceived stress. The research employs various regression techniques to identify the at-risk categories affected psychologically and physically by the hurricane. These findings may aid policymakers in developing targeted post-disaster recovery strategies, thereby promoting more resilient and sustainable communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Well-Being and Stress Related to Environmental Disaster and Climate Change)

25 pages, 768 KB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Needs in the Face of Climate Change and Barriers for Pro-Environmental Behaviour in Dutch Young Adults: A Qualitative Exploration

by Valesca S. M. Venhof and Bertus F. Jeronimus

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010076 - 5 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 858

Abstract

Rapid climate change and its anticipated impacts trigger significant worry and distress among vulnerable groups, including young adults. Little is known about how Dutch young adults experience and cope with climate change within their specific social and environmental context. This study examines Dutch young people’s emotional responses to climate change, their perceived emotional and psychological needs arising from these experiences, and the barriers they encounter in engaging in pro-environmental behaviour, with the aim of informing public health strategies to better support and empower this vulnerable group. Data were drawn from a large online survey among a representative sample of 1006 Dutch young adults (16–35 years; 51% women). The questionnaire included fixed-answer sections assessing emotional responses to climate change, as well as two open-ended questions exploring participants’ perceptions of their emotional and psychological needs related to climate change and the barriers they perceive to pro-environmental behaviour. Descriptive statistics were used for the fixed-response items, and thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended responses. Many Dutch young adults reported worry and sadness about climate change and its impacts, with approximately one third experiencing feelings of powerlessness. A large percentage of respondents attributed responsibility to large companies, and nearly half indicated that they still had hope for the future. One third (31%) felt that nothing could make them feel better about climate change, and another third (36%) reported to experience no climate-related emotions. Key emotional needs included more action at personal, community, and governmental levels, and more motivating positive news. Almost half (46%) of young adults said they already lived sustainably, while perceived barriers to pro-environmental behaviour were mainly financial (21%), knowledge-related (8%), and time-related (7%). This exploratory study highlights key practical and emotional barriers to pro-environmental behaviour reported by Dutch young adults 16–35, who expressed diverse emotional needs while coping with climate change. The findings underscore the need for a multi-level public health response to climate-related emotions, that simultaneously addresses emotional needs, structural barriers, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. Lowering barriers to pro-environmental behaviour and fostering supportive environments that enable sustainable action among young adults may enhance wellbeing and strengthen their sense of agency. Public health supports this by reducing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour in young adults, through targeted support, clear information, and enabling social and structural conditions that promote wellbeing and sustained engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Well-Being and Stress Related to Environmental Disaster and Climate Change)

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19 pages, 753 KB

Open AccessArticle

Older Age Is Associated with Fewer Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Following Extreme Weather Adversity

by JoNell Strough, Ryan Best, Andrew M. Parker, Esha Azhar and Samer Atshan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101548 - 11 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1677

Abstract

Climate change is associated with an increase in the frequency of extreme weather that threatens emotional well-being, with some research pointing to increased vulnerability among older adults. We investigated how age relates to depression and anxiety following adversities due to extreme weather or natural disaster. Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) posits that older age buffers against emotional distress. The strength and vulnerability integration model (SAVI) posits that this age-related advantage is attenuated during periods of acute stress. Members (n = 9761, M age = 52.22, SD = 16.36 yrs) of a nationally representative, probability-based US internet panel, the Understanding America Study (UAS), reported their experience with extreme weather or natural disaster (e.g., severe storms, tornado, flood), associated adversities (e.g., property loss), and depression and anxiety over the past month. Of the 1075 respondents experiencing extreme weather or natural disaster, 216 reported related adversity. Those experiencing adversity reported more anxiety and depression than those with no events, while extreme weather or disaster alone made no significant difference. Consistent with SST, older age was associated with less depression and anxiety. This age-related benefit was most apparent among those experiencing weather- or disaster-related adversity, even when controlling for socio-demographic correlates. Findings highlight age-related emotional resilience with implications for climate change policy and practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Well-Being and Stress Related to Environmental Disaster and Climate Change)

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20 pages, 338 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Climate Change Awareness and Depression & Anxiety: Findings from a U.S. Sample

by Stanley Nkemjika, Colvette Brown, Henry Onyeaka, Srikanta Banerjee and Jennifer A. Oliphant

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091426 - 12 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1455

Abstract

Background: Exploring the connection between climate change awareness and overall well-being is crucial, particularly in how it impacts both the environment and mental health. The mental health consequences of climate change and its awareness have not been thoroughly examined, especially in the U.S. In this study, the relationship between awareness of climate change and depression or anxiety among U.S. adults was explored. Similarly, the role of climate change awareness has not been explored in relation to mental health concerns. Methods: Based on the HINTS-6 dataset, a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute, a variety of statistical methods, including logistic regression models, to examine these relationships were used. This study had a sample size of 6154 participants. A statistically significant level of <0.05 was used. Result: The findings showed that individuals who are aware of climate change have a higher adjusted odds ratio of 1.392 (1.160–1.671) for experiencing depression or anxiety compared to those who are unaware. Additionally, non-heterosexual individuals displayed a significantly higher adjusted odds ratio of 2.691 (CI: 2.125–3.407) for depression or anxiety, underscoring the strong connection between mental health and climate change awareness. Conclusion: This study highlights a notable link between heightened awareness of climate change with depression and anxiety among the U.S. population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Well-Being and Stress Related to Environmental Disaster and Climate Change)

25 pages, 677 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Different Types of Social Resources on Coping Self-Efficacy and Distress During Australia’s Black Summer Bushfires

by Greta Amorsen, Jacki Schirmer, Mel R Mylek, Theo Niyonsenga, Douglas Paton, Petra Buergelt and Kimberly Brown

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091341 - 27 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2271

Abstract

While social resources are known to promote positive psychological outcomes after disasters, little is known about the unique influence of different social resources on distress and coping during a disaster. This study examined the association between five social resources: sense of belonging, bushfire reciprocal support, emotional support, practical support and loneliness, and two psychological outcomes, distress and coping self-efficacy, during Australia’s 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires. Survey data collected from 2611 bushfire-affected Australians in late 2020 was analysed using regression modelling. Higher perceived emotional and practical support and lower levels of loneliness predicted increased coping self-efficacy, and higher sense of belonging and lower loneliness predicted reduced distress. However, higher emotional and reciprocal support predicted higher distress after accounting for coping self-efficacy. The findings suggest having higher access to some social resources may not directly reduce distress but may reduce distress indirectly through increasing coping self-efficacy. While access to social resources, particularly bonding social capital, is likely important for supporting psychological response during disasters, the findings suggest this may be dependent on the perceived quantity, quality and expectations of these social resources. The findings indicate that different social resources interact with disaster-related psychological outcomes in distinct, complex and sometimes non-linear ways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Well-Being and Stress Related to Environmental Disaster and Climate Change)

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18 pages, 1057 KB

Open AccessArticle

Participant Experiences with Human Biomonitoring in Communities Affected by Chronic PFAS Environmental Contamination in the Veneto Region (Italy)

by Marialuisa Menegatto, Andrea Bobbio, Gloria Freschi, Francesca Celeste Conti, Maria Cristina Cola, Michela Zamboni and Adriano Zamperini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081190 - 29 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1647

Abstract

This exploratory study investigated how health concerns related to chronic environmental contamination and how satisfaction with the human biomonitoring (HBM) process influence the perceived quality of life in the context of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the Veneto Region (Italy). We administered a questionnaire to 84 residents of the Red Area, where PFAS exposure is classified as most severe. The main findings revealed that satisfaction with HBM was positively correlated with perceived quality of life and showed a statistically significant but modest moderation effect on the relationship between PFAS-related health concerns and quality of life (explaining 17.4% of the variance). Particularly, it attenuates the negative effect that PFAS health concerns have on quality of life. Differences between subgroups revealed heightened concern regarding PFAS health risks among women vs. men and participants with children vs. those without. These results underscore the central role of relational and communication aspects of HBM programs to mitigate psychological distress and possibly contribute to higher perceived well-being. The study highlights the need for tailored public health interventions, including transparent communication, empathetic support, and community engagement, to address the psychosocial dimensions of environmental contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Well-Being and Stress Related to Environmental Disaster and Climate Change)

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